Data Scientist

Job Introduction

The starting salary for this role is £43,923 per annum for working 36-hours per week.

This is a fixed term/secondment opportunity until March 2025.  

We are seeking a skilled Data Scientist with the desire to continue their development in data science skills, to join our service and help use data to drive the function forward. 

This role is open to remote working meaning you aren't required in the office 5 days a week. There will be occasions when you will be required to be in the office for key events and meetings. In support of our people and our greener futures strategies, we’d welcome a conversation with the successful candidate on what remote working may look like for you! 

At Surrey, our vision is to help create better lives, a better place and a county where no-one is left behind. To help deliver this vision we are committed to transforming the way the council manages and uses data and creates insight. This is an exciting time to join us as a Data Scientist and be part of shaping the team and forging links across the organisation. 

About the role 

The role is within the developing central Insight and Analytics unit. The unit enables efficient, effective and consistent decision making by providing easy access to insight and data. We work collaboratively across the organisation and with our partners and communities in Surrey to improve what we do and how we do it. 

We share our insight and data on our public facing portal ‘Surrey I’, supporting transparency and informing partners and residents on the decisions they need to make. Our ambition is build an insight function demonstrating excellence which influences decision making and results in demonstrable positive impacts to our residents and the services we provide to them. 

The role will employ a range of data science, data visualisation and analytical techniques in their work. Typical tasks will include:

• The scoping out and development of system/reporting requirements.
• ‘Deep dive’ analyses and mapping of data.
• Predictive analytics such as population and demand forecasting or risk stratification.
• Working with a wide range of data and evidence sources, including local, partner and open sources for the development of services and products to agreed service standards. 
• Working with a team of analysts to develop technical skills in data science and statistical specialisms as an analyst. 

About you 

These are the qualities, skills and experiences that we are looking for in our next Data Scientist:

• You will be curious and passionate about the power of data to enable decisions and someone who can help us inform our service provision to improve the lives of our residents.  
• You will possess an inherent understanding of data, and a knowledge of statistics and data science methodologies and how they can be applied effectively.  
• You will work well in multi-disciplinary teams, working with others to achieve shared objectives. 
• You will use your analytical expertise and people skills to help others ask the right questions and make the best decisions. 
• You will produce insight in a clear and compelling way that delivers impact and actively seek feedback and learning from your work. 

To be considered for interview, you MUST provide a supporting statement that also clearly evidences how you meet the following key competencies: 

• Experience of running data experiments using a methodical or standardised approaches  
• Experience applying data science to solve business problems 
• Experience in handling large volumes of complex data 
• Working in multi-disciplinary teams and business areas to turn evidence into insight and recommendations to the wider business.  

Applications with no supporting statements will not be considered. 

At Surrey, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and abilities. They shape who we are as an organisation. Find out more about the values we follow. 

For more information, please find the full job description below and refer to this before submitting your application. We also invite you to read our Life at Surrey handbook to see insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council. 

Additional Information

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 22/10/2023.   

This is a fixed term contract until March 2025.  

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please contact Uma Datta by e-mail at Uma.Datta@surreycc.gov.uk. 

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. 

Benefits 

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff. 

Our Commitment 

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where: 

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application 

• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form 

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.  

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.